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Introduction

Antonio may have been born in the Canary Islands at Santa Cruz.  we do not know if that is the one on La Palma or on Tenerife itself.    Antonio had many holdings and property in the Canary Islands and imported Canary Wine and cochineal.  He petitioned Oliver Cromwell to allow him to send out an expedition to recover his property which was granted.

Canary Islands 

One of the few remaining possessions of Spain, the Canary Islands lie in the Atlantic Ocean about 60 miles (95 kilometres) from the northwest coast of Africa. Their total area is 2,796 square miles (7,242 square kilometres). The Canaries are divided into two provinces of Spain; Las Palmas and Santa Cruz de Tenerife.  They comprise seven principal islands:

They were called Fortunatae Insulae (Fortunate Islands, or Isles of the Blest) in ancient Roman legends. The Canaries were rediscovered in the 14th century. In 1402 they were conquered by the French explorer Jean de Bethencourt, who became King of the islands.  Christopher Columbus visited them in 1492. The name Canaries is derived from canis, the Latin word for "dog." Early explorers named them for the many dogs they found there.

The Canary Islands are volcanic in origin. The first glimpse that one normally has of the Canaries is usually the 12,200 foot (3,700 metre) high Pico de Teide, a partially extinct volcano on Tenerife. A balmy climate and beautiful scenery have helped make the Canaries a popular tourist area. Las Palmas on Gran Canaria is the largest city.

Bananas and tomatoes are raised for shipment to European markets. Other agricultural products are potatoes, onions, cochineal, tobacco, sugar, fruit, grapes, and wine. Small-scale industries include petroleum refining and food processing. Population (1986 estimate), 1,367,646.